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Monday, May 10, 2010

Today Show Features the Discredited Wendy Murphy

[Update, Monday May 10, 9:40 AM]: Closing arguments have begun in the trial. Gregor is going first, and then the defense will have its say. Follow the arguments on Twitter.

[End Update]

In its broadcast on the Tonya Craft trial this morning, the Today Show featured none other than the adjunct law professor Wendy Murphy. For those not familiar with Murphy, she is a serial liar who claims that in EVERY child molestation and rape case, prosecutors ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH.

Of course, Murphy spun the usual stuff one expects from her, including that expert witnesses such as Dr. Nancy Aldridge (who almost always testifies for the prosecution) is lying. This is not surprising, given Murphy's role in the infamous Duke Lacrosse Case. Murphy was one of the loudest voices on the side of Mike Nifong, and no lie could be big enough. Among Murphy's whoppers:
  • The lacrosse players "ripped open her (Crystal Mangum's) vagina". There were no medical reports that came even close to that statement.
  • The defense was hiding more than 1,000 pages of DNA "evidence" that "proved" the lacrosse players raped Mangum. In actuality, the non-released pages (on order from the judge in the case) contain Mangum's medical records, which included her mental illnesses, the drugs she was taking, and the like.
  • Reade Seligmann, after "raping" Mangum, was "frantically calling cab companies" in order to quickly leave the scene. According to Mr. Seligmann's phone records, he made one call to a cab company, and he was not "frantic" to leave.
  • North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper dropped the charges against the lacrosse players because Mangum refused to testify because, as Murphy alleged, the lacrosse families paid her off. In reality, Mangum wanted to continue the case, but the AG and the special prosecutors found the charges to lack credibility to the point where the prosecutors INSISTED that Cooper say that they were "innocent."
Yet, this is the "expert" that Today brings onto the set. We are dealing with a serial liar who has publicly made that claim that NO WOMAN who alleges a rape is telling anything but the truth. So much for Today and its attempts to be accurate.

97 comments:

PGM said...

Why am I not surprised? Many of us thought that NBC might provide a real insight into the injustice, but instead they brought in a moron.

Anonymous said...

Mr. House,

I don't really understand why you have pissed off "The People (The Wave)" who have put you in the job you have.

You must not like your job and was looking for a way OUT. Well guess what? You have gotten your wish.

Vote out - OUThouse!

I promise you, I will have a campaign team that is entirely focused on voting you OUT and I am sure there will be MANY to stand with me.

NOTE TO ALL CATOOSA COUNTY LEADERS:

We as the citizens, will take a stand for our rights and to be treated equally as all of our neighbors are.

We demand honesty and integrity in our govermental leadership.

If you fail to do so, then YOU WILL BE VOTED OUT!

Anonymous said...

strange start to closing arguments by the DA... One thing struck me. "Unfortunately in this world evil comes in attractive packages" does that mean all models and other attractive people are evil?

Kellie Graham said...

Murphy commented on the "document physical evidence of abuse". Has she even followed this? The only "evidence" was a subjective opinion.

KC Sprayberry said...

Love the opening of Dr. Lorandos closing. Immediately pointed out Dr. Aldridge usually testifying for prosecution. And also made a point how this accusation can so easily be put on anyone. He's hitting the jurors at their hearts, where they need to examine the truth of the matter.

Now, a question. Every trial I've ever seen on television (live coverage not fiction) shows the jury taking notes during testimony. I heard early on there were no writing implements allowed in the courtroom during this trial. Does that mean the jurors have to rely on their memories for tidbits like the girls making conflicting statements on the videos about who 'coached' them about when and where or 'daddy told me it happened' or how the prosecution's 'experts' failed so miserably to act like experts while the defense witnesses acted with cool and dignity throughout the whole process, and their stories were basically the same? That would scare me to death now everyone on the jury has to argue this long trial based on memories.

KC Sprayberry said...

1010 am blog post on CatWalkChatt.com re Dr. Lornados closing. Mentions how Dr. Aldridge and Dr. Bernet not whores of the court. YES!

Cinderella said...

KC Sprayberry,

I just reade the tweet too. Didn't realize that they could not take notes???? I guess that was bc it was supposed to be naptime!

KC Sprayberry said...

Very scary. I have a good memory and I would never contemplate trying to remember all the nuances of this trial. Most especially, the actions of the lawyers during some of the hotter sessions is important to me. Guess I'll never get on jury duty. I see testimony as more than the spoken or written word. Body language when a person is getting their 'carefully constructed tower of fables' torn down is very important as is courtroom demeanor when the opposing side is presenting their information. The prosecution's rudeness throughout this trial really burns me up.

Cinderella said...

Mr. Anderson,
Have you ever heard of this - not allowing the jury to take notes? I know after all it is LMJD - but seriously?

Anonymous said...

Someone is arguing with me about the Wilson's being the ones that own Angel Ambulance. Does anyone know what day Wilson testified? I can't remember. It's been too long.

Anonymous said...

Looks like Gregor has been reading your blog William! He used all the words everyone has used to describe him and this farce of a case in his pitiful closing:))

KC Sprayberry said...

Okay, is the judge really serious? He actually sustained an objection by the prosecution during defense's closing arguments? I thought that didn't happen. And Dr. L was going over admitted evidence but adding who wanted you to know and who didn't? Well, since the jury couldn't take notes, those little reminders will stick in their minds. The more I hear about this trial, the more I think civilian courts should adopt a tribunal method in cases like this. Tri as in three as in three judges. Then, maybe, Judge House would have had two judges agreeing with the motion for him to recuse himself instead of deciding all by his little old self he had no prejudices or prejudgment in this case. As if that hasn't blatantly shown throughout the trial. A tribunal means the prosecution wouldn't have had the chance to showboat. Or maybe not. This is, after all, LMJD. While I hope with all my heart at least one of the judges around here might have had the stones to keep that trial from turning into a circus, from what I've seen and heard since all this began, I have my doubts. How sad. These people are tasked with others lives. They need to stop looking at how much they can gain for themselves and distance themselves (both socially and during trials) from the lawyers they work with.

Okay, back to watching tweets.

And praying hard for Tonya every second. She needs to know we are with her in this.

Anonymous said...

I was a juror in Catoosa at one time and we were told not to take notes. I took them on my hand. The judge was not happy, but gave me paper and I continued to take them. We were also not allowed to have transcript read to us.

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:54

Yes, the Wilson family owns Angel EMS and his father owns the Wilson Funeral Homes. His daughter is accuser #2 and testified on day 5. Her mother testified on Day 6.

Anonymous said...

The Wilson child is not an accuser. The pool incident happened at their house and their child was the one that Tonya said was not ready for 1st grade. The father made a threat to Tonya during the conference.

Anonymous said...

Wilsons daughter is not one of the accusers. McDonald is accuser 2.

Victoria said...

Were the staff of the Today Show following the same trial we are?

Can someone post the email address for the Today Show. I can't find it. I'd like to rip Wendy a new one. I am so disgusted by her analysis. And why oh why do they keep featuring that sound bite from that Boyd idiot when there are countless more supporters of Tonya to interview? Disgusting. I hope the jury don't see and aren't influenced by this segment and this Wendy fraud.

Anonymous said...

Wendy's video has made it to the front page of msnbc.com

Anonymous said...

Mr. Anderson, Callie Starnes said there are 7 men and 5 women on the jury. Does this help Tonya that there are more men? As always, thanks for any and all help you have given. Bobb

William L. Anderson said...

I have no idea on the sex makeup of the jury and how it will affect their decision. Just cannot comment one way or the other, as I don't know.

Anonymous said...

Sandra you dont know me but rest assured you alcoholic piece of crap you have mad it your job to destroy tonya because you are embarassed that your daughter initiated this boyfriend girlfriend game. You may think you are going to continue to bully people around in chickamauga. But believe me word on the streets and ballfields is that your about to be run out old girl. You live in catoosa keep your a** out of our town.

Kerwyn said...

KC,

By objecting all it did was put into the minds of the jurors what exactly dlo wanted. What do you have to hide?

I hope someone on that jury has some serious sense of honor and stops this stupidity

Chattanon said...

Someone help me out here. Wasn't one of the Jurors Tonya's ex brother in law or something to that effect? And if so Mr. Anderson, Why would the Defense allow him to stay, unless they knew something or had run out of (don't know the proper word) rejects?

KC Sprayberry said...

My prayers this AM center around Tonya being held in the Creator's hand as she endures the hardest part of this travesty and for the jury to see through the tissue of lies brought by the prosecution. I only hope I have not asked for too much.

William L. Anderson said...

No, the ex-brother in law is NOT on the jury. He was in the pool -- judge's decision, not the defense's

Anonymous said...

The Lambs and Boyds donate to much money to the Chickamauga School System to be run out of town. Obviously, you don't understand that the "Chickamauga Mafia" runs the town and school. These people don't care to be ostracized. They believe that you and everyone like you is inferior. They tolerate you only because it feeds their own pride to feel better than you. On the whole, Chickamauga is a very poor community. People like the Lambs, Boyds, and their cronies have chosen Chickamauga as their kingdom, because in larger, more wealthy, more educated communities, these people would be way down the social ladder. It is shame that the wealthiest people in mostly rural, poor communities choose to use their wealth to maintain self serving social caste systems. If Chickamauga is to change, it must start with ridding the school board of it's vermin. The gatekeepers of the community sit on the school board. It is they, who admit outsiders into the school. Outsiders with money who have tarnished Chicakamauga nationally.

Lame said...

In my life I've never heard of a jury not being allowed to take notes. In fact, I have heard of occasions when jurors were thrown off the jury for not taking notes.

Anonymous said...

Boycott Listing
Wilson's Funeral Home - Wilson Family
Duplicator Supply Company- Lamb/French Family
Keller Williams Realty - Joal Henke
Southern Management - Supporters of Prosecution
Choo Choo BBQ - Family supporting prosecution
Angel EMS/Services - Wilson Family
University Womens Services - Dr. Boyd/ Husband of walking plastic surgery billboard Miriam Boyd.

FCA - Based on Jay Fowlers attitude and that of his employee.

Darth Scooter said...

Wow, you can sum up both Gregor and Arnt's arguments in one simple statement. "Don't listen to all these so called big city experts. List to us we are just like you from Catoosa County and only we know what real justice is."

They make me sick at my stomach.

Anonymous said...

Choo Choo Bar B Que has nothing to do with this group. Jeff Beagles has nothing to do with this case and if anything he is a Tonya supporter. Please get your facts straight.

MamawJ said...

Today Show has a FB page and people are on there with their opinion of Wendy Murphy. I sent an email myself and called NBC! I hope they have "deep pockets" if they don't retract her statements! GLAAD as well as many other organizations can sue her and them for her statements!

Anonymous said...

Ok so the children testifying should be evidence enough according to Arnt. So if someone were to say that Arnt made a pass at them and made crude remarks towards them that is evidence enough right? Who needs to prove anything if it is said then it is true right? What a bunch of BS!

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah...check Beagles family has been attending trial in support of state.

Anonymous said...

you cannot boycott an entire national organization because of one student leader and her leader... FCA is an excellant student ministry that has been around a long time and has changed many hearts of young people...

Anonymous said...

Which Choo Choo BBQ - Jeff Beagles?

If so, he has gotten his last dime off me!

Anonymous said...

Don't forget News Channel 9 in the list to boycott (and their sponsers!)

Anonymous said...

Whoa...arnt can object and closing, but Lorandos cannot because it is closing!!!

Anonymous said...

Truth would mean a "not guilty" verdict for Tonya. The prosecution, judge, or much of the media coverage has not been about the truth. We understand the judge and prosecutors need for a guilty verdict. I propose that national media coverage has been mostly shock and awe child molestation because that is what SELLS. Would a 20/20 episode be more enthralling with a conviction, then appeal, then house clenaing of LMJD or better TV if beloved kindergarten teacher falsely accused and acquitted of charges after 1st trial. TV is about number of viewers. More people will watch train wrecks than telethons.

Anonymous said...

I would like to know if its a fact that jeff beagles supports the families and judge of this farce because my family eats at choo ALOT!! As well as our friends and i can assure you we can pull lots of business from him if thats true.

Anonymous said...

I understand members of his family have been attending the trial regularly for the state.

Anonymous said...

What is the procedure to have a pretend judge like House removed prior to election?

Anonymous said...

Arnt at one point got on his knees to demonstrate that TC was at just the "right level" to molest children. Buddy you better get use to that position because it's the one your gonna be in begging to keep you law license when BA gets through with you!

Anonymous said...

Isn't their another partial owner of the BBQ establishment with ties to the school board.

Hint: trying to help you connect the dots to a gatekeeper.

Anonymous said...

I would like to know more about "Choo Choo BBQ". True or false? Are they really openly for the prosecution?

Anonymous said...

Walker testified for the defense? Wife was an employee of Choo Choo?
No longer there?

Anonymous said...

calliestarnes: RT @nosie_rosie: #tonyacraft: Pool room recording shows DLo was shorted 3 minutes of his 90-min allotment.

Who would have thought...

Cinderella said...

Right- and now House has said to arnt you have 2 min but I'll give you 5 more

Anonymous said...

In Georgia, note taking is at the discretion of the judge. Another quirk on the part of House, he doesn't want anyone to think clearly.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget about this trial during the elections. If these crooks do get away with this it will be up to us as voters to make a statement. Don't forget their superiors during re-election as well. They are just as guilty in my eyes for allowing this to continue. School boards! Now is the time for someone to run for school board and make positive changes. Our children are the future and they need better role models.

Pray for the children of these crooked parents.

Anonymous said...

If it is a hung-jury, will there be a re-trial? or charges are dropped?

Anonymous said...

Anyone ever took a good look at miriam boyd? Oh my what an ugly little freak she is...yuck!!

Lookout Spy said...

Let's hope House allows Arnt to keep talking, it's grounds for mistrial.

Anonymous said...

To anon 9:58.

I will support your team in the election to OUThouse. Looking posting a sign in my yard.

Anonymous said...

with love, my family calls her horsehead boyd

Lookout Spy said...

If it's a hung jury, the State has the option to retry Ms. Craft. However, House allowing Arnt to go over the time limit for closing arguments is immediate grounds for mistrial.

Anonymous said...

Arnt tells jury - "You need to send a message to the dream team over there".

Let him bring his fat ass to hamilton county and I will show him dream team. Maybe he and his fag buddy gregor can both ride over in the mini-cooper.

Anonymous said...

Arnt tells jury - "You need to send a message to the dream team over there".

Let him bring his fat ass to hamilton county and I will show him dream team. Maybe he and his fag buddy gregor can both ride over in the mini-cooper.

dmk said...

D-Lo getting shorted on his time on closing, just two possibilities here:

1) Intentional, just another card added to the stacked deck.

or

2) Brian House is a complete total blithering dumbass and can't even correctly do something as simple as keep time. Does somebody still have to help this blithering idiot get dressed in the morning?

Anonymous said...

Jeff Beagles is not the sole owner of Choo Choo BBQ in Chickamauga. Dig some and find out how Choo Choo is connected to what some have referred to as the "Chickamauga Mafia".

Lookout Spy said...

10 minutes out of 90 allotted, is about a 15% time advantage in closing arguments, pretty significant error. Motion for mistrial is in order. Of course it will be denied.

Anonymous said...

Greg Ellis is the other co-owner of Choo Choo BBQ, son of Billy Neal Ellis, to whom the new high school stadium was renamed after his generous donations. Greg used to be assist principle at CES until rumors of a affiar surfaced and he stepped down.

Anonymous said...

Anon 1:01...please tell.

Anonymous said...

To find out about the "Dixie Mafia" Google Teresa Watson Rome News.com Dixie Mafia Bobby Lee Cook, all on the same request.

Anonymous said...

As the parent of a child that molested, I believe with all my heart and soul that Tonya did NOT do this! it has been 17 years since my daughter was molested, and if you really want to know what happened to her and you asked her, she would tell you the same story she told 17 years ago!

Said and most angering part of our story, is the Chattanooga CAC decided not to charge the person that molested my daughter, because I REFUSED to let her be put on the stand in from of the man. (she was 3 years old). I agreed to video testimony or in judges chambers. Instead of putting my daughter in a courtroom full of people esp. that bastard, who took her innocence and threatened her brother, we moved out of Hamilton County.

Trust me, Tonya did NOT do this. These children were at least 6 years old and they couldn't keep it straight!?

William L. Anderson said...

And the Today Show will whitewash what they just have witnessed.

Anonymous said...

An interesting tidbit - Melydia Clewell is married (or was married) to Jeff Beagles' brother...

Oh the tangled web of Chickamauga...

Anonymous said...

I agree! When molested, the details NEVER change...not 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, even 60 years later! It is very sad that these children have been put through this whole situation and now believe that they were molested when they were not! Shame, Shame, Shame!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

They just twittered: Alternates will be kept separate in case they are needed.

What would they be needed for at this point? I thought the alternate jurors were to be used as replacements during the testimony portion.

Anonymous said...

I saw Daystar Television truck at a local Ringgold motel this morning. I googled them, it is a Christian station. Are they covering the trial?

dmk said...

From personal experience, alternate jurors will have to remain until a verdict is reached, but they are not allowed to sit in on deliberations. If sickness, etc. would happen during deliberations, then the alternate would take that person's place on the jury I guess.

Lookout Spy said...

There shouldn't be any need for alternate jurors unless someone gets sick or dies. If they deadlock one short for guilty, and try to pull the disagreeing juror out, it will be grounds for mistrial.

Anonymous said...

Please Lord, Comfort Tonya and her family. Support them and give them peace. Please let the jury have heard what they need to set her free!!! I ask this in your HOLY AND PRECIOUS NAME. Amen. Please, everyone pray. please.

Anonymous said...

I have been fasting and praying for 2 days.

Anonymous said...

Lookout spy:

My concern was, could they pull one to get the verdict they want. It would not surprise me for House to try it.

I have been told these jurors are talking. Not to me personally so this would be "hearsay". But I was told of 2 instances where 2 different jurors were overheard talking about the trial.

Anonymous said...

Lord, please give the jury the wisdom of Solomon. Please give Tonya the courage of David and the strength of Samson.

Cinderella said...

Looking for how House's charge to the jury went - anyone? Also praying for Tonya.

Anonymous said...

to 1:44
Thanks!! I do not know Tonya, but have been praying for her for 2 months or more!!! I do believe she is innocent.

Anonymous said...

Please Dateline or 20/20 come down here and examine EVERY DETAIL of EVERY person involved. Leave NO STONE UNCOVERED!!! We are afraid of NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! BRING ALL TRUTH TO LIGHT!!!!!!!!!! There is no fear in truth when you are on the side of truth.

stephanie said...

No matter the verdict Tonya will NEVER give up the fight! May we all have peace with their answer and always fight for TRUTH!

Anonymous said...

my post about my child being molested, was posted as my mind ran and the anger of what happened to her 17 years ago took over.. Sorry for rambling portion and the parts that might not make sense... I think if you think about the words missing or misspelled you can figure out what I was trying to say!

chattanon said...

I pray the truth has been unveiled and the jury sees it for what it is.

Anonymous said...

Everyone please pray for Tonya and her family that this band of demons will NOT have their way. It is true what the song says "The Devil went down the Georgia looking for a soul to steal" Let us pray earnestly for Tonya to be set free!

Victoria said...

What happens if there is a hung jury? Does that mean she is considered innocent of all charges and will she have to be on the sex predator list? Its hard for me to believe that all 12 could believe that the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Anonymous said...

"News" Channel 9 poll is running 88% for innocent or hung jury. Think that will change their tune on reporting...NOT! I'm sure their bias will conitinue, but hope their rating tank!

Victoria said...

Here is the email for the today show to complain about the segment this morning with that idiot prosecutor's analysis:

today@nbc.com

MamawJ said...

The Today Show has their own FB page and the comments are running 100% against this Wendy Murphy's "expert testimony"! Some are asking for Today to APOLOGIZE to Tonya!

Anonymous said...

Yes, Melydia is married to Jeff's brother. Melydia & her husband had no opinion either way of the trial. Her husband did mostly his own business ventures, so people need not try to connect any dots there. He's a good, honest man & quite frankly isn't having anything to do with this trial. Yes, his wife is a lead reporter, but that's it. As far as his brother goes, who knows? Unlike all of the other goofballs (Wilsons, Lambs, McDonalds...), these people don't believe things just because they are related or "told" to.

Anonymous said...

Jeff Beagles wife and her mother have been attending the court on the side of the state. In fact, it was one of their phones that went off last week. If they were not there with the state, they would have been checked for their phone, instead of being allowed in the privelaged area.

Sandra Pearson said...

<< Of course, Murphy spun the usual stuff one expects from her, including that expert witnesses such as Dr. Nancy Aldridge (who almost always testifies for the prosecution) is lying. This is not surprising, given Murphy's role in the infamous Duke Lacrosse Case. Murphy was one of the loudest voices on the side of Mike Nifong, and no lie could be big enough. Among Murphy's whoppers >>

mr. anderson,
why do you think the Today Show would even want to talk to wendy murphy when she was so wrong in the duke locrosse case? why would they have any desire to hear her opinion on this?
i do not understand that at all.

Anonymous said...

The Beagles are friends of mine & I know for a FACT that Jeff's wife has not attended the trial at all!! Where are you people getting your info??

Victoria said...

I noticed that stripper/accuser in Duke case was arrested for some violent acts against her boyfriend and went to jail. I wonder if Murphy still stands by her.

Jeff said...

To Misinformed Writers:
You need to stop hiding behind the keyboard and own up to your crazy BS. Choo Choo BBQ has no opinion on this court case. The Beagles family has NOT once attended the trial and does not plan on attending. Kim Walker for your information got a job in her profession after graduating from college. We are not in NY and there is no Mafia in Chickamauga, get a life. I run a professional business to support my family not to make judgement on legal issuses. If you need to talk to me call me at 706-375-7675.

Cyril Lucar said...

I know that not many of you will read this thread as another post has gone up, but I would like to point out that Mr. Beagles has posted openly regarding his non-involvement in any of this and his "accusers" are all anonymous. If we want justice for Tonya that we shouldn't try to convict people with anonymous gossip and slander. This isn't a forum to air every grotesque bit of Chickamauga gossip, it's a forum to discuss a trial.

Geoff Kent said...

Jeff, this has no bearing out the outcome of this trial, but you are telling us that your wife and her mother have not attended the trial even one day and sat on the side of the state?

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jeff. I am your brother's neighbor & posted earlier about his non-involvement. I have no clue what your stance is or if you even have one. That is your business & since I don't know you, I could not outright defend you. Glad you set the record straight. In fact, I think you should repost on the more recent story so more people will see it. Sometimes the rumor mill runs thick and people don't realize that is how this whole situation began. Hopefully everyone will see it. People are very passionate about this case & sometimes they need to step back and breathe. Btw, I have some gift certificates to still use down there & the hubby said I better get on it! Lol.

Cyril, you are exactly right. I asked in a thread last week for people to stick to facts. Unless you are the person or it happened to you, do not get the old mill going. People can be hurt by that & what our community is going through right now is proof.

A lot of us don't know each other, but have been brought together by something terrible. To stay united, we must keep everything straight & factual. The one thing we know for fact is this: Our judicial system has been abused to worst extent. Whether someone believes she is innocent or guilty, the bottom line is that the ADA's, House, Deal & the CAC have abused OUR system. God bless Tonya for having to be the means to the end, but we all need to keep our passion in focus.

TFT

Jeff said...

To Geoff Kent

ABSOLUTELY! SOMEONE OBVIOUSLY HAS NO IDEA WHAT MY WIFE LOOKS LIKE!

Anonymous said...

I know what your wife looks like & I don't remember seeing her there in video. I know y'all have friends on both sides of this & are probably in an awkward position.

TFT